How to Combat Seasickness

Instead of trying to distract yourself in the hope that the feeling goes away, head up on to deck and look out at the horizon. This is a great technique as it allows you to ‘reset’ your brain, and should help combat that queasy, rocking sensation.

Yes, that’s right. Coke contains phosphoric acid and sugars, which are the same ingredients you’ll find in Emetrol, an over-the-counter anti-nausea medicine. And since Coca-Cola was first introduced as a medicine, it makes sense that it helps combat that queasy feeling.

For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine has included things like acupuncture as a way to suppress the nausea associated with motion sickness. Make a trip to your local drug store to purchase pressure bands such as Sea-Band or Acuband to help prevent seasickness from occurring.

Of course, you’re not going to spend the entire time on your cruise with your eyes closed, but when you are starting to feel seasick, it’s worth finding a place to shut your eyes and have a quiet lie down so that you are able to relax. That way your eyes aren’t giving a no-motion message to your brain.

If you do suffer with seasickness, then our Cruise Consultants recommend booking a cabin which is low down in mid deck. Rooms situated in this area are where you’ll experience the least sensation of movement when the ship is in motion.

You may think finding things to do to distract yourself from your seasickness is the way forward, but in fact this can only add to it. Now is not the time to get stuck into that book you brought, as it could make you feel disorientated and unable to concentrate. Save reading for a time when you feel 100%, so as to not worsen your symptoms.

Another one of our Cruise Consultants’ top tips for seasickness is to eat something. Green apples, ginger beer and crackers are some of the best foods for settling your stomach. In fact, you may be able to tell if you’re heading for choppy waters if you start to see these items popping up around the ship for you to take.

One of the most popular forms of fighting seasickness is by taking a seasickness pills. They’re simple and effective, but these pills can also cause drowsiness and light-headedness, so be sure to see your GP before making any decisions.

Scopolamine is a drug that reduces the activity of nerve fibres in your inner ear; it’s one of the most successful commercial seasickness solutions around. Placed discreetly behind your ear, it works by blocking the effects of a natural substance called acetylcholine. Basically, that’s another way of saying it stops you from feeling the effects of nausea and vomiting brought on by motion sickness.

It’s a good idea to open a window or move to the top deck of a ship to avoid getting too hot. This will allow you to get some fresh air, which could help to reduce your chances of sickness.

Often people find themselves worrying about becoming seasick, which only fuels the discomfort. It might be easier said than done when you have nowhere else to go, but try to remain relaxed throughout your holiday to help reduce the effects of seasickness.